Venue
Walter Kerr Theatre
Hadestown at the Walter Kerr Theatre
While based on the oft-told Greek myth of Eurydice and Orpheus' descent into hell, Anaďs Mitchell's folk opera ‘Hadestown' just might deliver audiences to musical-theater heaven. A dozen years in the making, ‘Hadestown' was first performed as a stage production in Mitchell's home state of Vermont. In 2010, to enthusiastic acclaim, she released it as a concept album featuring indie-folk stars Ani DiFranco, Greg Brown, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, the Low Anthem's Ben Knox Miller, and the Haden triplets (Petra, Rachel, and Tanya). Mitchell expanded the album into an Americana musical quilt with the help of Tony Award–winning director Rachel Chavkin (‘Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812'). It premiered off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop on May 6, 2016, and ran through July 31. March 2019 marks its Broadway debut, with opening night planned for April 17.
About the Show
In ‘Hadestown,' Mitchell inventively updates the myth of Eurydice and Orpheus to a post-apocalyptic setting reminiscent of the Great Depression. The narrator, Hermes (Tony-nominated André De Shields), calls it "an old tale from way back when." While economic misery and environmental calamities afflict the land, the underworld has become a model of full employment thanks to Hades, who wants to construct a wall to protect the jobs of his mining minions.
While Eurydice (Tony-nominated Eva Noblezada) seeks economic security in the overworld, her beloved Orpheus — played by denim-clad singer-songwriter Reeve Carney, originator of the title role in Broadway's ‘Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark' — possesses a more poetic soul. Amber Gray plays Persephone, queen of the underworld, who cherishes the summers she is allowed to spend "on top." When Hades (Patrick Page, the Green Goblin in ‘Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark') convinces Eurydice to join him in Hadestown, Persephone convinces her husband to give the couple one last chance to leave the underworld together.
A blend of classic storytelling and contemporary concerns, ‘Hadestown' reverberates with relevance. It's also a heartfelt celebration of American music in all its emotional richness and down-to-earth pleasures. And don't worry: In ‘Hadestown,' the devil has only some, not all, of the best tunes.
Bought tickets after the Tonys - a cautionary tale. The cast is talented especially the female lead, the narrator and Satan. Not sufficient to carry a musical with a confusing storyline, maudlin book and only a couple of tunes which resonant once the show is over. Better bet is stick to the musicals that have played for 5+ years instead
No wonder it received so many Tonys and keeps packing a full house
What a great performance that you mus my go to see
This was the best! I'm so fortunate to have been able to see this show with the original Broadway cast! Their performances were flawless, the music was beautiful, and the plot and staging will give you chills. Highly recommended!!
Awesome show. Powerful, creative, interesting, thought provoking. Great cast, great music, overall wonderful experience. Well done!
I had expected more from Hadestown considering the rave reviews and multiple Tony Awards. The story was simple and it didn't pull out the emotions in me like I expect for a solid Broadway show. I will say the effects, the music and the lighting were very well done. I guess I just didn't get what the big fuss was all about. And at times the singing of Orpheus was grating. Too many other great shows on Broadway right now to bother with this one.
Hadestown. If you want to be moved and inspired by a gorgeous and profound production, do not miss Hadestown.
The show is simply put: a masterpiece, with captivating performances and frankly astonishing staging. It creates a fusion of the best elements of classical, contemporary and musical theater. If you love theater, literature or art you owe it to yourself to see this show
This performance was impressive and spectacular in every way! I’m still humming to myself - la-la-la-la-la-la-la! Love this storytelling from the classy way it was narrated to the flawless performances by the entire cast, stage and musical crew! Bravo! Love.Love.Love.Hadestown!
5 Star Performances in a 4 Star Musical. (Keep in Mind, I only gave 5 Stars to Hamilton.) Every Performer was outstanding! But I believe the first act was stronger than the second, both in musical composition and pacing. The second act dragged a bit. I thoroughly enjoyed the production, but I don't need to see it again.
While visually and musically stimulating, I left the theatre feeling unsatisfied. Everyone in production and performance gave 100% but I felt unengaged. This could be the result of being an almost all-sung musical - or based on a classical myth (which generally left me cold when I studied Latin). I could see other older audience members were also left less than enthusiastic but there were younger audience members who were euphoric with their experience. To each his or her own...
This musical is amazing. Gorgeous music, beautiful set and choreography. It is perfectly staged and the story is compelling. Everything about this show is pure perfection. It is an absolute must see!
Wow! What an amazing experience. Kudos to the casting director who put together a supremely high caliber team of performers. From the smallest role to the main characters, everyone was exceptionally talented. Each performer added to a joyful evening of theatre. Musicians also added to the experience. We had very high expectations after seeing the cast perform on last years Tony awards. This cast easily surpassed them. We had listened to the music before seeing the show; it was even better . Don’t miss it. It is special.
This was my second journey to Hadestown and it was just as stellar, moving, and gut-wrenching as my first. This is truly one of the greatest musicals on Broadway in the last decade and I hope it stays around for a very long time. Everything is pretty much perfect, from the set design (that turntable! that moveable stage that breaks apart towards the end of act one!) to the cast (even the ensemble deserve a standing ovation), to the choreography, direction, and costuming. Words cannot do justice to the performances from Amber Gray, Patrick Page, Eva Noblezada, Andre de Shields, and Reeve Carney. You are hooked from the opening notes on the trombone and you stay that way until the final toast at the curtain call. I've seen the show twice and look forward to a third visit soon--it's that spectacular and stays with you that deeply. Bravo!
"Hadestown" is brilliant! There's comedy, pathos, hope...the music is wonderful, the set design is clever, and Anaïs Mitchell loves a lady alto, which I respect.
Breathtakingly beautiful! André De Shields was captivating! Had me from start to finish! The seamless transitions and poetic songs weaved a story so heartfelt and soulful. Universal themes so relatable- I had listened to the cast recording before seeing the show and it is amazing- but seeing it live took it to a whole new level of energy and experience- hard to put into words- but is a must see!!!
Loved this play. From beginning to end it was entertaining. The female lead had a beautiful, dynamic voice. All others were excellent too. The set worked well with the story line.
Enjoyed the first act more than the second. Not exceptional but not terrible.
Have attended over 150 Broadway shows over the past 25 years. My opinion is , the show is overrated and not a “Hamilton “
Music, lyrics, stage, performances were of mythical!!!
